Sunday, December 30, 2012

According to 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs, snow removal teams used specialized equipment to clear the runways and taxiways after an overnight snowfall covered the flightline with more than three inches of snow.

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Servicemembers board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III here Dec. 28, 2012. The re-deployers are processed for their flight through the 455th Expeditionary Aerial Port Squadron which has the highest number of passengers in the Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Willis)Hi-res

Note: Visible in the background are some of the 18 A-10Cs from the 354th EFS, 355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, currently combat-deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They are parking in their revetments.

12/29/2012 - Servicemembers board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 28, 2012. The airfield management office coordinated snow removal and clearing to keep operations flowing after an overnight snowfall covered the flightline with more than three inches of snow. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Willis)Hi-res

Althoug there's no special A-10C shot, this picture says all:

12/29/2012 - Members of the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron de-ice a C-130 Hercules at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Dec. 28, 2012. Maintenance Airmen removed snow from the aircraft to minimize the possibility of damage prior to taxi and take off. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Willis)Hi-res

Saturday, December 29, 2012

PHOTO OF THE YEAR: This composite photo of photos taken by Technical Sgt. Robert Hanet, highlight the work of Airmen from the 127th Maintenance Group as they change an engine in an A-10 Thunderbolt II as part of a routine, scheduled maintenance operation, Sept. 16, 2012. The photo composite was one of the finalists for the title of 2012 Photo of the Year at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. (Air National Guard photo illustration by TSgt. Robert Hanet)Hi-res

Please note: I selected TSgt. Robert Hanet's photo composite because it would be my personal favorite. Related to that, on 127th Wing's Facebook entry I posted: @127th Wing PAO: I wish to thank Technical Sgt. Robert Hanet for his outstanding photo series, highlighting the work of Airmen from the 127th Maintenance Group as they change an engine in an A-10C Thunderbolt II from the 107th Fighter Squadron "Red Devils" as part of a routine, scheduled maintenance operation, Sept. 16, 2012. And according to you, TSgt. Robert Hanet's photo composite of this series was one of the finalists for the title of 2012 Photo of the Year at Selfridge (my personal favorite). I'm collecting official USAF A-10 online photos since the breakthrough of the web, about ten years ago. And so I can tell you: Such a photo series (very interesting for "Hog" enthusiasts around the world because of their technical aspect, was and is an absolute exception. In a single word: RARE. Meanwhile, from 127th Wing I got a "like" for my post.

12/20/2012 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Photos of Airmen returning home from combat, a training exercise and an Airman taking advantage of a free moment to study for advancement are among the best photos of 2012 taken by Air Force photographers at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

The 127th Wing's top photos of 2012 were taken by Technical Sgt. David Kujawa, Technical Sgt. Robert Hanet and John Swanson, a civilian photographer assigned to the wing.

"The photos help to tell the story of who we are and record the history of what we accomplished in 2012," said Capt. Penny Carroll, 127th Wing Public Affairs officer. "As we reviewed the various images from the past 12 months, I was struck by the amount of accomplishments by the wing's Airmen. As we get caught up in the day-to-day of life it can be easy to lose track of the truly significant work our Airmen are doing."

The 127th Wing's top photos, along with the best of the wing's videos and news articles, will be forwarded to headquarters of the National Guard Bureau for consideration in the Air Force's annual media contest.

Two photos tied for the informal "best photo" of the year award for the 127th Wing. The first, taken by Kujawa in January, is a photo of Master Sgt. Brian Goodhue, being hugged by his son during a homecoming celebration. Goodhue was one of approximately 300 127th Wing Airmen who spent the last part of 2011 and the first part of 2012 deployed to Afghanistan along with the wing's A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The second photo, taken by Swanson, shows Airman 1st Class Brandie Nosakowski working on an Air Force correspondence course during a free moment while onboard a KC-135 Stratotanker in flight.

Staff Sgt. Rachel Barton and Master Sgt. Terry Atwell were the videographers responsible for the wing's top videos of the year, most notably a video documenting a KC-135 "Fly the Fleet" exercise created by Atwell and a promotional video report produced by Barton that was first shown on the giant video screen at a Detroit Pistons home game on Veterans Day.

The wing's best written articles of the year include a series of historical articles written by Technical Sgt. Dan Heaton, along with a commentary he wrote while on a short deployment to Estonia.

News, photos and videos created by the 127th Wing are routinely published on the wing's web site, www.127wg.ang.af.mil, and frequently highlighted on the wing's Facebook and YouTube pages.

Comprised of approximately 1,600 personnel and flying both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, the 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operation Command by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which marked its 95th year of continuous military air operations in 2012.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

by Staff Sgt. David Dobrydney455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Staff Sgt. Derek Allen, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron [right], and his brother U.S. Army Cpl. Greg Allen, 101st Airborne Division, stand together here for the first time since 2009, Dec. 23, 2012. The brothers' chains of command worked to reunite the brothers for the holidays after an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft maintained by Derek provided vital air support to soldiers of the 101st, including his brother. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jun Kim)Hi-res

12/24/2012 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Up until a few days ago, Staff Sgt. Derek Allen hadn't seen his brother, U.S. Army Cpl. Greg Allen, in a long time.

However, an interesting twist of fate spurred their separate services to bring them together here for the Christmas holidays.

"Both of us being here in [Afghanistan] is the closest we have ever been to each other since Thanksgiving 2009," said the 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron tactical aircraft maintenance craftsman, deployed here from Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.

As a teenager in Akron, Ohio, Sergeant Allen was driven to join the Air Force following the events of 9/11.

"We took the path less traveled," he said of the choice he and his brother made to join the armed services.

Their parents, Charles and Melissa Allen, recalled that their eldest son's decision to join the Air Force was long planned.

"[Derek] knew well into his senior year," Melissa said, "he signed even before he graduated."

But while Sergeant Allen chose the Air Force, his brother opted for the Army instead.

"He didn't want to be like his older brother," Sergeant Allen recalled with a grin, "he wanted to blaze his own path."

However, Corporal Allen said his brother was one of the biggest supporters of his decision to join the Army.

Besides his wife, "[my brother] was only person who really understood," he remembered.

Despite some good-natured ribbing about each other's chosen service, the Allen brothers have found the military has only strengthened their relationship, despite their physical distance.

"We've always been close, but now it's changed from 'you knucklehead' to 'how's work?'," Sergeant Allen said. "For [our family], we're the only ones who understand the jargon."

Their parents, meanwhile, are incredibly proud of their sons.

"You have to grow up kind of fast ... being able to embrace all the different things being thrown at them and just excel at it," said Charles of the military life his sons embraced, "the structure has made them into very strong men."

Recently, that special relationship was strengthened even further. Sergeant Allen was able to look out for his younger sibling, without even realizing it at the time.

As a member of the A-10 Phase Inspection team, Allen ensures that the A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft stationed here are ready to execute their mission of close air support for troops in the field. One December day, two A-10s were performing air support when they received a call that a unit was under fire and needed overhead assistance. One aircraft made a pass over the area and got the call from the Joint Tactical Air Controller that they needed some heavy fire. Dropping two 500 pound bombs, the aircraft hit the target and the hostile fire subsided.

Sergeant Allen later found out that the unit that needed assistance was part of the 101st Airborne Division, and that his brother was among the troops whose lives were safeguarded that day.

"When it comes to close air support, the A-10 is the first thing you think of," Corporal Allen said later, adding it was tremendous confidence boost to watch the A-10 do its work.

"That was a moment where I knew everyone was going to make it back," he said.

Soon afterward, Corporal Allen contacted his brother via Facebook asking him to thank the A-10 pilot. Sergeant Allen has always taken pride in his work, but hearing the news of how aircraft he prepares for flight helped protect his brother increased it.

"I and the rest of the guys on our Phase team directly affected the combat airpower that was able to help out not only my brother but all the guys in his unit," he said. "It's not every day that an older brother truly gets to make sure that the skies over his little brother are safe.

"To know my brother gets to come home to my niece and his wife is a great feeling," he added.

When the brothers' respective chains of command heard the story, they launched a successful effort to get them together for the holidays. When Corporal Allen arrived here, the time spent apart seemed to disappear.

"It was literally like having seen him just yesterday," Sergeant Allen said of his brother's arrival.

That comes as good news to their parents.

"They do a lot of shielding of us; they don't want us to worry," said Melissa. "When we finally got the gist of what happened, we were like 'oh, wow, those types of things really are going on.'"

Charles echoed his wife's feelings.

"Like any other parent you're always thinking about it, but at the same time you aren't thinking about it."

For the time being however, Melissa and her husband are thrilled at the thought of her sons spending Christmas together for the first time in years.

"It really is an awesome Christmas gift," she said. "They may not be with us and we're not with them, but at least they can be with each other."

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Commentary by Lt. Gen. David Goldfein, Combined Forces Air Component Commander
Released by U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT) Public Affairs

Lt. Gen. David L. Goldfein is Commander, U.S. Air Forces Central, Southwest Asia. As the Air Component Commander for U.S. Central Command, the general is responsible for developing contingency plans and conducting air operations in a 20-nation area of responsibility covering Central and Southwest Asia)Hi-res

12/17/2012 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- As the holiday season approaches, I thank all the members of this tremendous Coalition and joint team for your commitment and continued service. Each one of you is vitally important to delivering decisive airpower in the region.

The holiday season is traditionally a time of celebration - a chance to reflect on the importance of family and friends in our lives. We all know that being away from home during the holidays is difficult, so while we continue to focus on our mission, I encourage you to stay in touch with your loved ones. Also remember you are surrounded by a strong and caring military family. Finding small ways to enjoy the season and share fellowship with our fellow Airmen, sister services and Coalition partners can make all the difference in enjoying the season wherever you serve.

For those that wear the cloth of our nations, we enjoy a special camaraderie and esprit de corps borne out of our shared commitment and our willingness to serve. Now more than ever, being a good wingman is important and I ask you to take this responsibility seriously. Whether you are serving here in theater, traveling home for the holidays, or redeploying in the coming days, look out for yourself and all those around you.

Dawn and I wish you the very best this holiday season. I am proud to be your commander and privileged to serve as part of a dedicated team that so consistently demonstrates integrity, service, and a commitment to excellence that is on display here 24/7/365. Thank you for your service and happy holidays.

Comment by Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor: Although not mentioned in Lt. Gen. David Goldfein's commentary, his holiday wishes include the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, which is currently combat-deployed to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Have nice holidays far away from home, "Bulldogs" ("DOGS OF WAR")!

With an incredible A-10C shot, aviation photographer Joe Copalman from the United States has won the recent photography competition of AirForces Monthly. On their official Facebook page AFM wrote: Congratulations to Joe Copalman for winning our photography competition. We chose the image for its 'In your face' factor and for being a great dramatic shot. Well done

Note: According to the ejection seat inscription that must be A-10C 80-0210, currently combat-deployed with the 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Note the two water bottles behind the windshield.

12/19/2012 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Lt. Col. James "Kil" Roy III, 455th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron director of operations, has spent a long time in the air.

A veteran of 250+ missions, Roy recently achieved 1,000 combat flying hours, all in the A-10 Thunderbolt II and all as a result of missions flown from here.

"In comparing this to a 40 hour a week job; essentially, I've worked six months in the air over Afghanistan," said Roy, deployed here from Moody Air Force Base, Ga.

Having grown up with a father and grandfather who were both career Army officers, Roy said the only things he wanted to do was be in the military and fly planes.

"I was accepted to West Point and ... the Air Force Academy, and the statistics were 70 percent of Academy graduates went to pilot training [versus] 30 percent of West Point graduates," Roy said. "So I went with the numbers."

Roy would graduate from the Air Force Academy, but ironically not pilot-qualified, being assigned instead as a weapons system officer for the B-1B Lancer. Determined to become a pilot, Roy sought out civilian air credentials.

"I earned my commercial pilot's license, instrument rating and certified flight instructor license... to make my resume look as good as possible," Roy recalled, "and then worked really hard at my job to be the best WSO I could be in the squadron so I could get an exception to policy [letter] for vision."

Roy was selected for cross-training to the A-10 in 2001. While he said he missed the community of the Lancer mission, he considers his current mission very significant. "Close air support is very gratifying," Roy said. "You get to directly help somebody on the ground and you directly affect the battle."

Roy's leadership and co-workers share his enthusiasm.

"It is a very rare accomplishment to hit 1,000 hours in a career, period, let alone in one [Area of Responsibility] and on the same platform," said Lt. Col. Marty Garrett, 455th EOSS commander, who added that a pilot doesn't reach numbers like that by accident.

"It takes someone who wants to get into the fight and someone who seeks out every opportunity to support the guys on the ground."

Source (including 4 photos) That's a cut-out of the first picture posted above. What's the first word of this patche's insignia? ... Of War - 354 EFS. At least to me it doesn't looks like "Hogs Of War". Special holiday wishes to the entire 354th EFS and their supporting units!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Aviation photographer Alexander Golz from Germany had the rare opportunity to catch three A-10Cs from the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany, during an air refueling near Ramstein AB, Germany, November 8, 2012. For his photo shooting Alexander joined a KC-135R Stratotanker crew from the 351st Air Refueling Squadron, 100th Air Refueling Wing (USAFE), RAF Mildenhall, England. One of his incredible shots has been already published as "Photo of the Month" in the current (January 2013) issue of German aviation and space magazine "FliegerRevue". Just after a personal request, Alexander provided me some additional hi-res shots, not published in "FliegerRevue".

From the front: A-10Cs 81-0962 (heavily weathered), A-10C 81-0980, and A-10C 82-0656, all of them from the 81st Fighter Squadron. (Photo by Alexander Golz) Larger version

Special thanks to Alexander for sharing his outstanding pictures on Warthog News!

Please note: For related official USAF photos please check the photo news Passing Gas, released by RAF Mildenhall Public Affairs. Only one of these pictures:

Three A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, fly beside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England, after receiving fuel Nov. 8, 2012, over Germany. The A-10s received a total of 6,000 pounds of fuel before continuing their training mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Latisha Cole)Full size

12/13/2012 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- With a hulking A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" at his side, Lt. Col. Anderson Neal Jr. assumed command of the 188th Maintenance Group at a ceremony in at the 188th Fighter Wing Dec. 2.

"We're excited that Lt. Col. Neal is here," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. "Lt. Col. Neal recounted several times growing up when others went out of their way to tell him what he couldn't do. Instead of lowering his expectations, he used these doubters as motivation to achieve. His leadership and devotion, in concert with the finest group of maintainers in the world, will carry him through any obstacles in his path."

Colonel Neal began his military career as an F-4 Phantom crew chief with the 188th Maintenance Group in May 1985. He said it was the roar of the F-4 Phantom that got his attention and led to his decision to join the 188th.

"Chief [Master Sgt.] Hershel White escorted a potential recruit out on the flight line, just outside the hangar doors," Colonel Neal said. "Then they fired up one of those F-4 Phantom jets, and I said, 'Where do I sign up?'"

As he thanked the many friends and family members in attendance, Colonel Neal called this event one of the most special and humbling days of his 27-year military career.

"I am the same person as crew chief A1C Neal that began his career 27 years ago," said Colonel Neal. "But now I am responsible for the successes and failures of maintenance. With your help and support, Col. Anderson and our operators can continue to count on us. You are an outstanding group of motivated Airmen. I hope to see that one of you is the 188th Maintenance Group commander one day."

Colonel Neal enlisted in May 1985 with the 188th Fighter Wing as an Airman 1st class. He completed Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and subsequently began technical training in aircraft maintenance (crew chief), Sheppard AFB, Texas, where he also served as senior student leader (red rope). He received his noncommissioned officer certification in April 1988.

Colonel Neal attended the Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tenn., and was commissioned in 1989 as a transportation officer. In 1990, he completed the Reserve Officer Transportation Training Course at Sheppard AFB, Texas.

Colonel Neal completed Squadron Officer School by correspondence in 1994. In 1996 he was assigned officer-in-charge of the 188th Management and Systems Office in supply until January 2001, when he was assigned as chief of supply until April 2001.

Colonel Neal assumed command of the 188th Maintenance Squadron in April 2001 and served until 2005. He was activated with the 188th for one year in support of Operation Noble Eagle following the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center in New York.

Colonel Neal served as Inspector General for the 188th Fighter Wing from December 2005 until being assigned as Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, 189th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, Ark., in March 2007.

"This is my guard family," Colonel Neal said. "They are why I and others have answered our state and nation's call one weekend a month and numerous other days of the past 27 years. It's because we are the Air National Guard."

Members of the 188th Fighter Wing Honor Guard post the colors at an assumption of command ceremony at the 188th Fighter Wing Dec. 2, 2012. Lt. Col. Anderson Neal assumed command of the 188th Maintenance Group during the ceremony. (National Guard photo by Amn. Cody Martin/188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)Hi-res

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Released by 188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs on the wing's official Facebook page

Christmas Honors at the Fort Smith National Cemetery today... Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander, was among those laying wreaths on the graves of military veterans. The 188th also provided a two-ship flyover for the event.

In an effort to strengthen relations between the University of Arkansas and alumni veterans, the Arkansas Alumni Association became the permanent home for an Arkansas Razorback flag flown by the 188th Fighter Wing while in Bagram, Afghanistan.

Based out of Fort Smith, the 188th believed it suitable for the Alumni Association to receive the tattered flag. Facing dangerous winds, Capt. BJ Ginger states, "If that flag could talk, it has seen a lot of rocket and mortar attacks against the base, many of which landed close to where we worked."

Referred to as "The Flying Razorbacks," the 188th display their Razorback pride on aircraft, patches and of course, by flying a Razorback flag. "The flag represented something very special to our unit members while they were deployed. It reminded them of home during some trying times," said Major Heath Allen.

When discussions arose regarding the flag and its permanent home, Allen met with Lieutenant Colonel John Easley, saying, "It was his idea that the flag be presented to the Alumni House. We both feel that we need to improve the lines of communication between our alumni veterans and the University of Arkansas."

Bearing its cardinal red color, the Razorback remains intact while its edges show wear from the elements of war. Although it may be worn and rough around the edges, the Razorback emits pride and honor among the men and women of 188th, as well as all U of A alumni veterans.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Technical Sgt. Travis Morgan loads a GBU-12 on to an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft during the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s annual loadeo competition Dec. 8, 2012, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich. Assisting Morgan is Senior Airman Vince Kelly. During the competition, weapons load crews are judged based on their knowledge of weapons systems and are graded while loading a series of bombs and missiles onto an A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. The team of Morgan, Kelly and Senior Airman Tim Reid were named the top weapons load team after the competition. (Air National Guard photo by TSgt. David Kujawa)Hi-res

"When we deployed (to Afghanistan), we'd send them out with a full load out: rockets, bombs, missiles, a full load in the gun. We'd send out a fully loaded jet and they'd come back empty," Morgan said. "Loading real bombs, supporting real missions. We were working 12 hour shifts and we'd load 'em back up and send 'em back out. That's what this job is all about."

Morgan, Senior Airman Tim Reid and Senior Airman Vince Kelly were named the weapons load team of the year by the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, after turning in the top performance during the squadron's annual loadeo competition, Dec. 8, 2012, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. During the annual event, a three-person weapons load team stands for a uniform inspection, takes a written test on job-specific skills and then performs a weapons load on an A-10. Morgan was the team leader.

Morgan has been a weapons loader on the A-10, the ugly aircraft know as the Warthog that has a well-deserved reputation as the ground troop's best friend, for about 12 years. He began his military career working on the A-10 when a squadron of Warthogs were stationed in Battle Creek, Mich. He transferred to the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, part of the 127th Wing, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, about three years ago.

"I think to be good Airman in the weapons career field, you need to be a problem solver," Morgan said. "You look at a lot of different systems and if you run into a problem, you have to be able to think on your feet and start working through ideas. How do I fix this? It's a fun career field to be in."

Chief Master Sgt. James Thomson said the annual weapons loadeo focuses on both the problem-solving and fun aspects of the career field.

"Obviously, a contest like this is about esprit de corps and recognition - and the parking spot. Everyone wants that reserved parking spot for the load team of the year," said Thomson, wing weapons chief.

Thomson said the winning team - and any good weapons Airman - has to exhibit good mechanical sense.

"You need to be handy to do well in this job. Mechanical, electrical, you deal with a variety of issues," he said. "And you have to be ready to do it out in the weather, too. We perform the loadeo inside, but typically you just need to be outside, dealing with it. Some people just love it, to be working hands-on the airplane like that."

During the weapons loadeo, teams of Airmen were judged as they loaded a GBU-38, GBU-12 and AGM-65 on to the aircraft.

"These are all weapons we use on a regular basis, but in the loadeo, the teams really put the pressure on themselves. They all want that parking spot and the prestige that goes with it," Thomson said.

During the competition, the judges are watching closely for any possible safety issues and grading the team on adherence to the established sequence and standardization methods used in the weapons loading arena.

"Standardization is a huge thing for us," Thomson said. "It is a reliability issue. What we put on the aircraft, needs to be able to come off the aircraft correctly when the pilot calls for it."

It takes about 13 or 14 months from the day a brand-new Airman swears in and he or she is full qualified as a weapons troop, Thomson said, counting basic military training, technical school, local "seasoning" training and additional correspondence courses.

Airman 1st Class Benjamin Engel joined the 127th AMXS weapons shop about two years ago. He was on one of the finalist teams during the loadeo.

"All I knew when I enlisted was that I was interested in working on the airplanes," Engel said. "I didn't know much about planes or even the Air Force initially - and certainly didn't know anything about weapons systems.

"There's a lot to know to be part of a weapons team. Every type of bomb or missile has a little bit of a difference to it, so you really have to pay attention to what you are working with," said Engel, who is also a student at Western Governor's University. "This shop's been great to work with. We have some guys who are really experts at what they are doing."

Comprised of approximately 1,600 personnel and flying both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, the 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operation Command by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which marked its 95th year of continuous military air operations in 2012.Source (including 3 photos)

Sunday, December 9, 2012

At Nellis AFB, Nevada, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States had the opportunity to take the following shots of A-10Cs from the 104th Fighter Squadron, 175th Wing (Maryland ANG), Martin State IAP.

During the last couple of weeks, Warthog News contributor Bruce Smith from the United States documented a "silent" but significant swap of A-10Cs between the 355th Fighter Wing (ACC), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, and the 66th Weapons Squadron (WPS), USAF Weapons School (USAFWS), 57th Wing (ACC), Nellis AFB, Nevada. Meanwhile, Bruce identified the sixth former D-M "Hog" by serial number, now also part of the 66th WPS. At Nellis, he had the opportunity to take some related shots.

A-10C 78-0709, the sixth former D-M "Hog", now marked "66 WPS" as the new boss bird, 2012-11-30. (Photo by Bruce Smith) Full size

First photo proof of moved and remarked A-10C 80-0204, 2012-11-29, not to be confused with A-10C 79-0204, which the 66th WPS kept from their former inventory. (Photo by Bruce Smith)Full size

Friday, December 7, 2012

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Blanchard, 355th Fighter Wing commander, explains the upgrades that have been made to the A-10 Thunderbolt during the honorary commanders' tour of the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 5, 2012. The HCC program holds quarterly events that are slated to cover the entirety of the major missions carried out day-to-day on D-M. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Dowdl) Hi-res

Question: What the hell does this sharkmouthed 23rd Fighter Group A-10 at D-M??? Anybody who can/will provide related background info and identify this aircraft by serial number?

12/6/2012 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Did you know the majority of the squadrons on base have an active duty commander and a civilian counterpart known as an honorary commander? The 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs office manages, maintains and coordinates the HCC program here, which allows community leaders from around Tucson to take a closer look at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.

The intent of the HCC Program is to educate these community leaders who have limited knowledge of the Air Force and the installation. The program works to foster public trust and support by familiarizing community leaders with the customs, courtesies and camaraderie of the U.S. Air Force service at D-M.

The 355 FW commander is the approving authority for all HCC assignments. Honorary commanders can be nominated by unit commanders, the 355th FW command chief or community leaders. An HCC must be a community leader who, because of their position of influence in the community, will have a positive impact on the public support for the base.

"The point of the HCC Program is to get civilian leaders on base, to learn about the base and to interact with our awesome Airmen," said Col. Kevin Blanchard, 355th Fighter Wing commander. "HCCs can help us understand downtown and help downtown understand us. We look forward to continuing to build our relationships."

Responsibilities of the unit commanders are to ensure their HCC is a welcome partner of the Desert Lightning Team, invite the HCC to unit functions, and provide opportunities to experience operations. Responsibilities of HCCs are to be a productive supporter of the military community, interact with personnel to learn about the Air Force and the mission, and to attend unit functions.

"The most important thing that I could tell anyone that might be an upcoming HCC is that the hardest part of any task is the beginning," said Dave Sitton, 55th Rescue Squadron HCC. "The more often you visit the base or the squadron, the more you are going to get out of it, the more you are going to enjoy it." Honorary Commanders hold a two-year term with a squadron. They are then moved to alumni status, but are still encouraged to participate in events with their squadrons and with the base. The HCC program holds quarterly events that are slated to cover the entirety of the major missions carried out day-to-day on D-M. "We hear from media about what's going on around the base, but there is so much that is not available to the general public," said Ruthanne Pitts, 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group HCC. "As an honorary commander, we get the chance to see that these are everyday people doing extraordinary things, and because of that, our community is better and our world is safer. We owe them all the support we can give them."

For more information about the Honorary Commander Program, contact the Public Affairs office at 228-3407.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

12/5/2012 - A U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base's 354th Fighter Squadron taxis to its parking spot at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2012. Affectionately called the "Warthog," the A-10 is a specialized ground-attack aircraft which provides close air support to ground forces operating in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Willis)Hi-res

Note: A-10C 81-0997 taxis, A-10C 81-0974 sits in the revetment in the background. The 354th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron is currently combat-deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with 18 aircraft.

Question: The inscription 0308A on the SUU-25 flare dispenser - is that a production number, an inventory number, or ...?

12/5/2012 - A-10 Thunderbolt II's taxi to their parking spots after a close air support mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2012. The A-10 is part of a squadron of "Warthogs" that recently arrived from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Az., to fly missions in support of American and coalition forces here in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Willis)Hi-res

12/5/2012 - A-10 Thunderbolt II's taxi to their parking spots after a close air support mission at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2012. The A-10 is part of a squadron of "Warthogs" that recently arrived from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Az., to fly missions in support of American and coalition forces here in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Willis)Hi-res

Note: Pictured in the foreground is A-10C 81-0997. This shot clearly shows the empty pylon on center station 6 on this aircraft. Visible in the nearest revetment at right is A-10C 80-0210, still wearing the pictogram of the 357th Fighter Squadron "Dragons" in front of their empty crew inscriptions plate. 12/5/2012 - Two aircraft maintainers assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron perform a post-mission inspection on an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 27, 2012. The A-10 is part of a squadron of "Warthogs" that recently arrived from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Az., to fly missions in support of American and coalition forces here in Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Chris Willis)Hi-res

Note: Unidentified A-10C. Same combat loadout as mentioned above. Note the two A-10Cs on the opposite parking spots.

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.